Hidden Lake Lookout Trail

Hidden Lake Lookout Trail is a 7.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Marblemount, WA that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

7.7 miles3586 feetOut & Back

dogs on leash

backpacking

birding

camping

fishing

hiking

ice climbing

nature trips

snowshoeing

walking

forest

lake

river

views

waterfall

wild flowers

wildlife

blowdown

bugs

muddy

over grown

rocky

scramble

snow

Simply spectacular! One of the finest hikes on the face of the planet, the trail to Hidden Lake Peaks grants continuous sensory overload. Sprawling meadows bursting with wildflowers, granite slabs and boulders laced with heather, glistening snowfields birthing tumbling waters, alpine nooks providing
After starting in a clear-cut predating common sense, the trail soon enters unmolested forest where it begins to climb steeply. At about 1 mile leave the forested canopy be-hind for an avalanche chute filled with alder. Cross East Fork Sibley Creek and recommence climbing. While you're traversing the steep side slope that's often brushy and overgrown, showy flowers give some consolation as you slog. Biting flies, however, may diminish the blossom bonus.
At 2.5 miles the trail recrosses the creek (elev. 5200 ft) and begins angling south. Stop to admire Mount Baker hovering in the western sky. Now across heather slopes punctuated with shiny granite slabs funneling cascading snowmelt, enjoy increasing views and an alpine wonderland intensifying in beauty.
At 3 miles a potential hazard may exist. Early season, or some years all summer, a treacherously steep snow gully may be present. Extremely dangerous to cross without ice ax and appropriate skills, it may be necessary to call it quits, taking solace in prudence and a decent hike even to this point. If the coast is clear, proceed, enjoying heather meadows, glacier lily fields, snowfields dyed red (thanks to an algae), unhindered Cascade mountain views west and south, and territorial views of Hidden Lake Peaks to the east.
At 4.2 miles attain a 6600-foot saddle (and the North Cascades National Park boundary) between the 7088-foot true summit of Hidden Lake Peaks (to the left and a fairly easy scramble) and the 6890-foot knoll with the lookout (to the right). Hidden Lake is just below, a glorious backcountry body of water, its azure waters shimmering in the sun. It's a rough-and-tumble drop of 800 feet through talus to reach it. Instead, enjoy its beauty from above and the framing backdrop of impressive North Cascades summits- Eldorado, Forbidden, and Boston among them.
To reach the lookout, follow the trail right for 0.3 mile, climbing 300 feet over ledge and rock and possibly snow (use caution). Wow! Drink in views from Rainier to Baker and every peak, valley, and ridge between. Take time to appreciate the lookout too. Built in 1931, it was restored by Fred T. Darvill of the Skagit Alpine Club back in 1961. A tireless advocate for the North Cascades National Park, Darvill, who passed away in 2007.

I have to say I underestimated how hard this trail was. It's rocky and steep. I only made it halfway, but fully anticipate coming back. What I did see was beautiful and there were not many people on the trail....so it gave me the peace I was looking for.

A gorgeous trail, albeit rocky. Fantastic wildflowers, mountain scenery, cute Picas, Pheasant, Chipmunks. It is a steep trail except for one fairly flat mile about 2/3rds of the way up. The summit pyramid, where the lookout is located, is exposed, bordering on class 3 scramble, but totally doable. The view from the lookout is 360 and breathtaking. First come first served if you want to overnight inside. Bed, blankets, gas stove, coffee cups, all provided.

Rocket D.

Among one of the best in the n cascades I've hiked. Old growth forest, wildflowers, quick elevation gain rewarding you with ever greater views of mountains and glaciers, a beautiful traverse, bouldering to the saddle and then, hidden lake.

Hiked here yesterday without really knowing what to expect. The hike itself was pretty awesome, with the high elevation change and the change in landscape. I wasn't able to complete it, because I came unequipped for crossing the snow towards the top. There was a decent amount of snow still covering the path, which made it dangerous without proper spikes and an ice pick. I'd recommend taking a Lifestraw bottle to fill up and drink as you climb.

This hike was honestly amazing! Had a bit of everything! Anyone can do the hike, really does give your lungs a huge work out! I'd recommend you take enough water and something to eat, if you plan taking your time and stoping. The hike leads up to the cabin and from there you can see the lake below you. That would be another hike to go down to it.